Welcome to Nashville—famed for its music, hospitality, and a food scene that spans classic Southern comfort to cutting‑edge cuisine. Dig into meat‑and‑three plates and buttery biscuits at Arnold’s Country Kitchen or Loveless Cafe. Crave barbecue? Martin’s Bar‑B‑Que Joint delivers, while Hattie B’s and Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack turn up the heat on hot chicken. For an elevated experience, Husk reimagines Southern dishes in a historic mansion, and The Catbird Seat offers an interactive chef’s tasting menu in an open kitchen.
Whether you’re after down‑home favorites or inventive dining adventures, Nashville’s restaurants won’t disappoint.
Bastion
Wedgewood-Houston’s dual-concept spot: a lively public cocktail bar (Big Bar) paired with a 24-seat, reservation-only tasting menu restaurant from chef-owner Josh Habiger of The Catbird Seat fame.
Audrey
Chef Sean Brock’s flagship Nashville restaurant, located in East Nashville, offering elevated Appalachian cuisine built on seasonal ingredients, heirloom grains, and Southern roots. Refined yet warm.
City House
A Germantown favorite blending Southern ingredients with Italian tradition. James Beard Award winner Tandy Wilson’s wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas headline a menu that evolves seasonally.
Philippe Chow
Near The Gulch and Broadway, this upscale Beijing-style Chinese restaurant brings timeless elegance to modern Chinese cuisine, with hand-pulled noodles, tableside-carved Peking duck, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Craig's
A Los Angeles icon meets Southern charm in the Gulch. Upscale comfort food and a celebrity-worthy atmosphere, perfect for a stylish dinner or special celebration.
Adele's
Chef Jonathan Waxman’s Gulch mainstay serves elevated farm-to-table Southern comfort food in a bright, airy space with an open kitchen and wood-fired oven. Go for a stylish dinner, the legendary weekend brunch buffet, or happy hour on the patio.
Etch
In downtown Nashville’s SoBro district, Etch is a globally inspired restaurant from award-winning Chef Deb Paquette, serving creative, world-flavored dishes alongside an open kitchen chef’s bar and acclaimed in-house pastry program.
Locust
Chef Trevor Moran’s small-plates concept in 12 South, highlighting handcrafted dumplings, beef tartare hand-rolls, seafood-forward bites, and stunning kakigori. The menu changes weekly and delivers big on flavor and creativity.
Sushi San
Fresh fish flown in daily, hand-rolled maki and nigiri from Master Sushi Chef Kaze Chan, and a cocktail and Japanese whisky program that rivals the best, set to old-school hip-hop in 12 South.
Zuzu
Luxury Asian-fusion restaurant and nightlife destination in downtown Nashville featuring a sushi bar, upscale dining room, and upstairs lounge with live DJs. Its high-energy setting makes it a popular choice for dinner and a night out.
V Modern
Set in the heart of The Gulch, V Modern offers a sleek, sensory-rich Italian night out with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, bold craft cocktails, and a lush leafy patio.
Aba
Mediterranean coast vibes in the Gulch, with charred lamb kebabs, whipped feta, and handcrafted cocktails in a lush, greenery-filled space.
Sirocco
Sitting in the heart of East Nashville, Sirocco pairs Mediterranean-inspired dining with high-energy nightlife. Expect bold flavors, crafted cocktails, brunch, and DJ-fueled evenings on the rooftop.
Noko
Noko in East Nashville offers a vibrant dining experience with its Asian-inspired, wood-fired cuisine. The menu features a fusion of Japanese, Korean, and Filipino flavors, including dishes like tuna crispy rice, lobster bao buns, and hamachi crudo. The ambiance is modern and inviting, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Xiao Bao
A retro-cool East Nashville spot blending Mainland Chinese flavors with Asian comfort food. Hand-pulled noodles, bao buns, and craveable dumplings, paired with playful cocktails in a lively diner-meets-lounge setting.
Luogo
Upscale Italian restaurant in The Gulch serving seasonal Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fine wines, and craft cocktails. The warm, elegant setting makes Luogo a polished choice for dinner in Nashville.
Pastis
French brasserie in Wedgewood-Houston serving classic Parisian fare in the historic May Hosiery Mills building. The zinc bar, polished dining room, and inviting outdoor patio bring a taste of the classic NYC bistro scene to Nashville.
Rolf and Daughters
Germantown favorite known for house-made pasta, seasonal dishes, and produce-driven plates made with local ingredients. Pair your meal with a selection from the natural wine list or a craft cocktail.
Earl's
Upscale-casual dining at Nashville Yards featuring global-inspired American cuisine, creative cocktails, twice-daily happy hours, and weekend brunch. The 260-seat restaurant offers a lively setting for everything from casual meals to drinks with friends.
Folk
East Nashville neighborhood restaurant from chef Philip Krajeck serving naturally leavened sourdough pizzas, seasonal plates, and large-format dishes. The warm space also features a curated natural wine list and a seasonal patio.
Butcher & Bee
This East Nashville neighborhood favorite offers a chef-crafted seasonal menu alongside an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list. Guests can also opt for a chef’s choice dinner featuring a selection of dishes chosen for the table.
The Sicilian Butcher
Set in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, The Sicilian Butcher puts a modern spin on Sicilian-style dining with handcrafted meatballs, house-made pastas, vibrant antipasti, and family-style dishes made for sharing.
Bad Idea
Bad Idea in East Nashville is a culinary gem housed in a beautifully restored former church at 1021 Russell St. This innovative wine bar and restaurant, led by sommelier Alex Burch and executive chef Colby Rasavong, offers a unique fusion of Laotian and Southern flavors in a chic, bi-level space.
Twelve Thirty Club
Located on Broadway, this three-level destination features live country music, casual fare, upscale dining, and rooftop drinks with sweeping city views. Each level offers a different way to experience Nashville nightlife.
Patterson House
Tucked into The Gulch, the newly remodeled Patterson House offers a speakeasy-style setting with handcrafted cocktails, vintage-inspired details, and an elevated take on classic bar bites.
Eleven11
East Nashville’s ELEVEN11 pairs Vietnamese-inspired bites with creative cocktails and a stylish lounge setting. The intimate space makes it a standout for dinner and drinks.
Once Upon A Time In France
Charming East Nashville bistro serving traditional French cuisine in a cozy 1920s Parisian-inspired setting. The menu features classics like steak frites and French onion soup, alongside an extensive selection of French wines.
Hampton Social
Just west of downtown in the Nashville Yards area, The Hampton Social brings its coastal-inspired style to Nashville with an airy setting, seafood-forward menu, brunch, happy hour, and signature cocktails.
Postino
Located in 12 South, Postino WineCafé is a relaxed hangout with a killer wine list, bruschetta boards, and shareable snacks. Whether you’re there for weekend brunch or golden hour drinks, it’s a go-to spot for good vibes and even better bites.
PennePazze
PennePazze has two Nashville locations, including one in Germantown and another in the L&L Market area. Both serve authentic Italian fare, with scratch-made pastas and the restaurant’s famed pinsa.
Bartaco
A coastal-inspired taco spot in 12 South serving fresh tacos, ceviche, and handcrafted margaritas in a breezy, beach-vibe setting. Perfect for a casual lunch or a lively night with friends.
Lockeland Table
Located in East Nashville’s Lockeland Springs neighborhood, this rustic, rehabbed storefront serves Southern-accented American food and wood-fired pizzas.
Redheaded Stranger
Redheaded Stranger is an East Nashville Tex-Mex spot serving creative tacos, Hatch green chile burgers, and breakfast burritos. Try favorites like the Bacon, Egg, and Tater Tot taco in its bright, welcoming space.
Puckett's
Located in the heart of downtown, this Nashville staple serves hearty Southern comfort food and craft drinks alongside live music and local flavor. It’s a longtime favorite for a classic taste of Music City.
Listening Room Cafe
Located in SoBro and the Lafayette neighborhood, The Listening Room Cafe is a live music venue known for intimate acoustic songwriter rounds featuring hitmakers and rising talent. Pair the performances with American eats and cocktails.
Otaku Ramen
Otaku Ramen is Nashville’s original neighborhood ramen shop, serving traditional ramen and Japanese snacks with locally sourced ingredients. Its broths simmer for 12+ hours, making it a go-to for flavorful bowls in The Gulch.
Monell's
In Nashville’s Historic Germantown neighborhood, Monell’s serves classic Southern comfort food family-style around communal tables in a historic Victorian home. With a no-menu approach and dishes passed around like a home-cooked meal, it’s a great pick for a traditional Nashville dining experience.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
With multiple locations across the greater Nashville area, Edley’s Bar-B-Que serves slow-smoked meats and classic Southern sides. Try the brisket, pulled pork, or crispy fried pickles for a taste of Nashville-style barbecue.
Martin's Bar-B-Que
With multiple locations around Nashville, Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint serves authentic West Tennessee whole-hog barbecue smoked low and slow over local hickory. Try tender brisket, ribs, pulled pork, homestyle sides, and cold beers alongside live music.
Shotgun Willie's BBQ
Just north of downtown in the Madison and greater East Nashville area, Shotgun Willie’s BBQ serves Texas-style barbecue with slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Texas Hill Country sausage alongside scratch-made sides.
Curry Boys BBQ
Over in East Nashville’s Riverside Village, Curry Boys BBQ combines Southeast Asian-style Thai curries with authentic Texas-smoked barbecue. The menu includes rice bowls, shareables, and sides, plus cocktails, wine, beer, and a year-round patio.
Hattie B's Hot Chicken
With several Nashville locations across neighborhoods, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken serves plates of fried chicken alongside Southern-style sides like mac and cheese, greens, baked beans, and coleslaw.
Party Fowl
A Nashville favorite with multiple locations around the city, Party Fowl serves Nashville-hot chicken, boozy slushies, and a full bar. Stop by for brunch, game days, or a night out with friends.
All'Antico Vinaio
A Florentine sandwich shop in Nashville’s Gulch and Midtown serving signature schiacciata-style sandwiches made with freshly baked Tuscan bread and high‑quality Italian ingredients—including a Nashville-exclusive ‘Italian Hot’ inspired by hot chicken.
Fat Belly Pretzel
A fun East Nashville bakery and deli serving hand-rolled Bavarian-style pretzels, stuffed pretzel sandwiches, and creative deli fare. Colorful and full of personality, great for a quick grab-and-go bite.
Midnight Oil
New York-style pizzeria and bar with locations in The Nations and Donelson, serving whole pies, slices, craft drinks, and an extensive tequila selection. The casual, sports-friendly setting makes it a great spot for pizza, drinks, and catching a game.
Dicey’s Pizza & Tavern
Neighborhood bar and eatery in Wedgewood-Houston serving thin, crispy tavern-style pizza, fresh sandwiches, salads, and drinks. The relaxed spot also features a large patio for casual dining and drinks.
The Stillery
The Stillery has two Nashville locations: its flagship downtown near Broadway and a second spot in Midtown. Both serve brick-fired pizzas, burgers, Southern staples, and signature mason jar cocktails in a casual setting.
Five Points Pizza
Popular Nashville pizzeria serving New York-style pizza with hand-stretched dough, giant slices, garlic knots, and craft beer. With locations in East and West Nashville plus a late-night slice window in the Gulch, it’s an easy pick for a casual meal or late-night bite.
East Nashville Beer Works
Neighborhood brewery and taproom with 20+ rotating taps, 10-inch pizzas, and a spacious outdoor beer garden. The family- and dog-friendly Trinity Lane location also features a playground, while a second taproom in Lebanon offers another spot to grab a beer and a bite.
Tailgate Brewery
Nashville-born craft brewery and pizzeria with multiple taproom locations across Tennessee, serving small-batch beers and scratch-made pizza. Its 7-acre Charlotte Pike headquarters offers plenty of space to gather, along with dog-friendly areas that make it a popular spot for groups and casual outings.
Tipsy Scoop
Located in downtown Nashville’s SoBro neighborhood, Tipsy Scoop puts a boozy twist on dessert with alcohol-infused ice cream, spiked pints, milkshakes, and sundaes. GoodNight Stay guests also receive 10% off when they show the image in their guidebook!
Buttermilk Ranch
A charming bakery and all-day breakfast spot in 12 South, known for flaky pastries, hearty morning plates, and a beloved bakery case up front. The kind of cozy neighborhood spot locals line up for on weekends.
La La Land Kind Cafe
A place where kindness meets coffee—La La Land Kind Café serves intentionally crafted drinks and treats while empowering foster youth through meaningful opportunity. Located in Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, this café blends bright energy, community purpose, and quality flavor under one roof.
Frothy Monkey
A neighborhood cafe and coffee roaster in 12 South, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a full specialty coffee bar plus wine, beer, and cocktails. Relaxed and welcoming, from morning coffee to casual lunch.
Retrograde Coffee
Nashville coffee shop and roasting operation serving house-roasted espresso, seasonal signature drinks, local flash brews, and an elevated daily food menu. With locations in East Nashville, City Heights, and Germantown, there are several spots around the city to grab a quality coffee and bite.
